Highway Projects to Soon Provide Access to Contractor and Officer Details, Says Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that commuters on national highways will soon have access to detailed information about contractors and responsible officers, including their names, addresses, and mobile numbers. This initiative aims to ensure accountability among those managing highway projects. Gadkari made these remarks during a conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had previously declared on October 3 that it would install project information signboards with QR codes along highway stretches. These codes will provide commuters with relevant project details and emergency helpline numbers. Gadkari emphasised that scanning these codes will allow people to easily obtain project-related information, helping identify responsible parties in case of any issues.

Infrastructure Development and Accountability

Gadkari highlighted the government's commitment to conducting performance audits of road projects. He assured that action would be taken against those found responsible for any shortcomings. The minister outlined a three-pronged approach to developing world-class infrastructure in India, focusing on comfort, prosperity, and environmental sustainability.

He mentioned that infrastructure should be comfortable for users, citing the construction of 670 roads and amenities aimed at providing facilities to commuters. Contractors are bound by a 10-year defect liability period, ensuring they maintain project quality. Officers must also ensure the project's good condition throughout this period.

Prosperity and Economic Growth

The second aspect of Gadkari's approach is prosperity. He cited the Dwarka Expressway as an example, where the development led to real estate growth worth Rs 5-7 lakh crore, demonstrating a multiplier effect on the economy. This development underscores how infrastructure projects can drive economic prosperity.

Gadkari also addressed the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental concerns. He stressed the need to reduce pollution for a better quality of life, noting the high pollution levels in Delhi. The government has transplanted 8,500 trees along the Dwarka Expressway as part of its green initiative.

Sustainable Initiatives for Future Growth

The minister discussed a comprehensive plan for 2027 that includes sustainable initiatives like using 80 lakh tonnes of segregated plastic waste in road construction and reusing treated water from purification plants for road building. These measures aim to promote eco-friendly and resilient development.

Gadkari further stated that the ministry's annual revenue is expected to increase from Rs 55,000 crore to Rs 1.4 lakh crore within two years, highlighting the sector's growth potential. This projection reflects the government's focus on enhancing infrastructure while ensuring environmental sustainability.

With inputs from PTI